Brit Wits Bash America

Hating the U.S. to its face is all the rage in British comedy—and Americans love it. Expat Sean Macaulay looks at why we love being called idiots.

Published Feb. 17 2010 5:49PM EST

articles/2010/02/17/brit-wits-bash-america/macaulay-obnoxious-brits_82365_mom9s1 — Dave Hogan / Getty Images

articles/2010/02/17/brit-wits-bash-america/macaulay-obnoxious-brits_82365_mc37du

When Ricky Gervais hosted the Golden Globes last month, he showered the native talent with a smirking stream of too-close-to-home insults. The last host to risk this approach was Chris Rock when he hosted the Oscars in 2005 and he's still feeling the chill of local disapproval.

Sean Macaulay

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Brit Wits Bash America

Hating the U.S. to its face is all the rage in British comedy—and Americans love it. Expat Sean Macaulay looks at why we love being called idiots.

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Sean Macaulay